These are not the kind of things you would typically find youngsters working with during summer vacation. But they are essential tools for kids who want to design, explore, invent and experiment at DesignCamp, UMass Lowell’s innovative on-campus science and engineering summer program that begins July 11.

“It is important to get students ‘hooked’ on learning science and technology in middle school, before they lose their natural curiosity and interest in studying science and mathematics in school,” says Doug Prime, executive director of UMass Lowell’s Future Engineers Center.

“DesignCamp is a totally hands-on learning experience where kids get to come up with their own ideas and build them,” says Prime.

“We believe our programs are successful because they stimulate the students’ creative thinking and critical problem-solving skills in a way schools do not.”

The workshops are divided into four sessions — July 11 to 15, July 18 to 22, July 25 to 29 and Aug. 1 to 5 — depending on the workshop and the students' grade level. Tuition costs $480 per workshop; $420 for additional sibling registration. Full and partial scholarships are also available for those who can demonstrate financial need.

For more information, visit the DesignCamp website. You can also call 978-934-4690 or e-mail info@designcamp.org.